JP2009515495A - Remote power management and monitoring system with remote circuit breaker control - Google Patents

Abstract

  One embodiment has a power management control and monitoring system and an integrated remotely driven circuit breaker drive, providing a very simplified power management control and monitoring system.

Description

  The present invention relates to power system management technology and also relates to circuit breaker technology.

  Electrical systems for power management in AC and / or DC power systems are becoming increasingly complex. A good example of the difficulties posed by modern systems is the increased use of DC systems installed in many ships. However, even in small recreational ships, the number of DC devices has increased significantly, but the overall wiring concept has changed little. Therefore, a typical ship has a centralized power control panel located near the navigation station that contains many manually operated circuit breakers. As a result, the number of cables extending from the rear part of the power control panel increases. However, most of these cables run in parallel with other cables that run throughout the ship. Thus, for example, it is proposed that a centralized power bus running in the center of a ship, drawn by the device as needed or installed, will significantly reduce and simplify the overall wiring requirements. It was.

  This centralized power bus could be remotely controlled and monitored by a power management system and monitoring system having a display device such as a touch panel display. The touch panel indicator can be installed anywhere in the engine room or even outdoors next to an outdoor steering station. For each piece of equipment, a switch could be placed between the bus and the device. This would replace the circuit breaker previously installed in a centralized power panel. However, since these remotely installed circuit breakers are physically located throughout the ship, manual operation of the circuit breakers is not practical. Accordingly, a remotely driven circuit breaker integrated into a centralized power management system is desirable.

  Normally, environmental operating conditions are also obstacles to remotely driven systems. For these reasons, for example, the US military provides that many circuit breakers comply with the MILC 55-629 standard for resistance to humidity, salt spray, shock, and other factors. The MILC 55-629 standard is also incorporated herein by reference.

  In addition, different manufacturers have developed navigation map plotters that can be integrated with radar equipment, meteorological instruments, Internet interfaces, and GPS devices, showing their ship's position and other ship's position and environment, for example on a single real-time display screen Different data protocols are used to send large amounts of up-to-date data used in shared location devices such as: Therefore, since the amount of ordinary data that can be used has increased explosively, an increase in the number of data lines has also become an obstacle to wiring.

  Therefore, the concept of “three cable ships” was advocated by many marine experts. In this system, two centralized power cables and one data cable are placed on a centralized bus. A standardized data protocol such as NMEA2000 has been developed to allow data systems to communicate and connect in a “plug and play” manner. The NMEA2000 standard is incorporated into this application by reference.

  Traditionally, circuit breakers are usually attached to a distribution board of standardized shape and size in a circuit breaker box. Circuit breakers are generally mounted next to each other for ease of use, so the “real estate” or physical space of the breaker box is very high. Therefore, there is a need to improve the concept for circuit breaker boxes with a higher degree of modularity that allows power to new equipment or easy addition of new circuit breakers. Applicant has also filed US Pat. No. 6,057,086, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference (see US Pat.

  In this way, especially in marine, automotive, aerospace, and home applications, reducing the overall wiring volume of the overall system and the overall complexity of the wiring design reduces production and installation costs and increases reliability. And improving ease of maintenance and problem solving. Advanced power management also allows for “smart systems” that can actively respond to load changes and “load reduction” situations often experienced in ships and homes.

However, many different manufacturers, old wiring concepts, and the lack of a comprehensive view of overall integrated, planned power management will enable those skilled in the art to implement appropriate remote power management systems and remotely actuated circuit breakers. There are many difficulties in production. Therefore, devices, methods and systems that can solve some or all of these problems are needed for many applications including, for example, the fishery industry.
US Patent Application Serial No. 11 / 415,684 (Mountable Remote Actuated CIRCUIT BREAKER DRIVER) filed May 2, 2006 (US patent application, Serial No.) .11 / 415,684)

  Thus, one embodiment may have a power management control and monitoring system and a remotely driven circuit breaker drive.

  One embodiment includes at least one or more centralized data buses and power buses that connect and control the electrical equipment and power supply of the ship, and the electrical power of the ship via the centralized data buses and power supply buses. At least one or more display devices and control devices for controlling and monitoring the device and power supply, and at least one or more circuit breaker enclosures remotely located and driven remotely, A circuit breaker enclosure having at least one or more remotely actuated circuit breakers disposed remotely from at least one display and control device and disposed within the circuit breaker enclosure The remote-driven circuit breaker is driven by at least one display device and control device via a centralized data bus and a power bus. And it can also have monitoring systems.

  One embodiment provides at least one or more centralized data buses and power buses for connecting and controlling electrical equipment and power supplies of the ship, and via the centralized data buses and power buses. Providing at least one or more display and control devices for controlling and monitoring the electrical equipment and power supply of the ship, and at least one or more circuit interruptions remotely located and remotely driven Circuit enclosure having at least one or more remotely actuated circuit breakers disposed remotely from at least one display and control device and disposed within the circuit breaker enclosure A remotely actuated circuit breaker comprising a centralized data bus and at least one display device and a control device. Source is driven via a bus, how to simplify the construction and installation of the power management and monitoring system of the ship may also be included.

  One embodiment may also have a computer program product for power management and monitoring of an electrical control system of a marine device in a computer environment, the computer program product having a storage medium readable by a processing circuit and processing Storing data for execution by the circuit and providing data communication via at least one or more centralized data buses and power buses that connect and control the electrical equipment and power supply of the ship; Controlling and monitoring the electrical equipment and power supply of the ship by means of at least one or more display devices and controls via the data bus and the power bus, and centralized data by means of at least one display device and controls. By remote drive circuit breaker driven via bus and power bus At least one or more circuit breaker enclosures that are remotely located and remotely driven and are remotely located from at least one display and control device; A computer program product that facilitates a method that includes providing a circuit breaker enclosure that includes at least one or more remotely actuated circuit breakers.

  Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are meant to be exemplary rather than limiting, in which like elements are numbered similarly. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, a power management and monitoring system (PMMS) 1 provides advantages not previously available when managing AC and / or DC power and monitoring ship functions. The system operates very reliably and safely.

  The basic elements of the PMMS 1 are a touch screen control panel 5, a data bus (6 and 7), an AC main distribution board 8 and an AC sub distribution board 9, and a DC power distribution box 10 which usually has a DC remote-driven circuit breaker, The power supply 11 and the data collection device 12 such as the battery monitoring device 13 may be included, but are not limited thereto. The device is in this case arranged on a centralized bus system having a primary NMEA2000 data bus 6, a secondary NMEA2000 data bus 7 and a centralized power supply bus (not shown).

  PMMS 1 is comprehensive, flexible and easily expandable. PMMS1 not only provides the operator with full visibility and control of the ship's electrical system from any control screen 5, PMMS1 also provides the user with alarm functions, batteries, engine via buses (6 and 7). And generator data; and such as, but not limited to, sounding instruments, GPS devices, radar devices, internet interface and internet data, chart plot graphics, electronic compass, and a plurality of additional electronic equipment (not shown) Although not done, it even provides remote monitoring of electronic instruments.

  For example, after ship installation, PMMS 1 can be easily expanded with additional functions and software upgrades. Thus, the PMMS 1 places a commander with the initiative to control the desired system, for example at one centralized monitoring location, so that the PMMS 1 has access to the ship's essential systems and the system. And most importantly, the PMMS 1 improves the safety of the ship.

  For example, if the circuit breaker is activated by the PMMS 1 and the refrigerator is unintentionally stopped on the ship, it can no longer be recognized. If desired, an audible alarm can be assigned to the circuit breaker. The PMMS1 system is a “sensible system” and can be programmed to shut down a specified circuit breaker in the event of a voltage drop and then return to the breaker when the voltage recovers. There is no longer any burning of the compression pump due to the low voltage situation of the voltage drop. There is no longer any frustration that comes from operating the circuit breaker in the quayside due to overload. Should the current usage level become higher than desired, the system can be programmed to reduce load and automatically return to online for both AC and DC. The ability to reset an activated AC or DC circuit breaker is provided directly to the remotely actuated circuit breaker. Thus, the possibilities and benefits in power management and monitoring are virtually limitless.

  PMMS 1 also allows for significant savings in ship building costs as a result of a significant reduction in ship wiring complexity. The builder is given the unique flexibility to remotely place the circuit breaker panel 10 without legitimate access and environmental considerations, thereby saving space, for example a centralized bus or “3 The use of the most direct and most efficient wiring scheme, such as a “two wire” system, is possible. As a result, the wiring connection cost is reduced, the labor cost required for installation is reduced, and a significant weight reduction is achieved.

  For example, future software updates and the installation of new NMEA 2000 components will prevent the PMMS1 platform from being obsolete as they will become available and the system's capabilities can subsequently be improved.

Capability: PMMS1 remotely monitors and controls all AC and DC power distribution and circuit protection, and monitors ship operating functions. The system can use the NMEA2000 communication protocol,
1. 1. Visible and audible identification immediately at a distance when AC and DC circuit breakers are activated 2. Remote activation of AC and DC circuit breakers. 3. Remote switching of all DC connected elements 4. Accurate monitoring of current flow for all DC loads 5. Programmable dimming function for DC lighting 6. Immediate recognition of no-load condition for activated DC load 7. Remote monitoring of ship shore and generator power supply 8. Programmable automatic load reduction and restart at selectable current levels 9. Programmable automatic under-voltage drop protection for operator selected load. 10. Monitoring generator and engine operating parameters 11. Monitor battery voltage, current usage, temperature, and state of charge. 12. Fuel, alarm function and equipment operation monitoring with full bilge pump operation monitoring Access to an NMEA2000 compliant electronic device connected to the communication bus can be provided, but is not limited thereto.

  In summary, PMMS1 simplifies operation with intuitive programming, efficient interface with ease of installation, enables the system to enable behavioral maintenance coding and protects selected circuits from inadvertent remote activation. It has the features and advantages of safe and steady operation.

  System redundancy that virtually eliminates a single point of failure: the system is installed by two separate NMEA2000 bus lines (6 and 7) and can operate continuously with two processors of on-line equipment driving both buses . In the event of a failure or disconnection of the primary bus line 6, the system automatically switches to the secondary bus 7 to notify the failure of the primary bus 6, and in the unlikely event of the primary bus processor. If one fails in the system's online device, the system automatically switches to the secondary bus 7 and notifies the failure. The system continuously monitors the secondary bus while operating on the primary bus 6 and notifies of the failure of the secondary bus.

  Fail-safe operation: In the event of a complete outage of a very unlikely electronic control system, the continuity of either the AC or DC circuit protection system is not affected. While the DC circuit breaker board (10) automatically switches to one of the two built-in power supplies and retains their dual internal processors that control the electronic breaker trip settings, the AC circuit breaker boards (8 and 9 ) Will continue to operate in manual mode. In the unlikely event that two processors or two backup built-in power supplies in the DC circuit breaker board fail, the DC circuit can be manually activated by a non-electronic module or switch.

  Circuit breaker panel placement flexibility: AC (8 and 9) and DC (10) circuit breaker panels can be installed in remote non-air-conditioned locations-solid state DC circuit breaker 14 and hydraulic magnetic AC circuit breaker Both vessels 21 provide stable protection, for example in the maximum range of ambient temperature environments, but are not limited to (−40 ° C. to + 85 ° C.).

  Comprehensive recognition and control of ship power: All online PMMS1 LCD touch screen control panel 5 is for full monitoring and control of ship AC and DC circuit breakers, all generator 16 and shore power 15 supply Provides monitoring of all power data, including voltage, frequency and amperage, and monitoring of all connected ship systems, including alarm functions, electronics, and engine and generator functions.

  Expandable functionality: The system provides for the addition of NMEA2000 compliant electronics and other protocols.

  Programmability: The system allows direct programming of many functions via operator touch screen input via display device 15 and also provides the ability to update internal software.

  Built-in diagnostics: Multiple diagnostics are built into the system for easy management.

Certification: The system is tested against the Aeronautical Radio Technical Committee (RTCA) specification DO-160E in all important categories. AC circuit breakers have been tested to meet military standards and are listed in the UL with additional necessary government agency approvals including CE, Lloyds, etc. The communication protocol has been certified for NMEA 2000 and the system has passed certain in-vessel tests for both radar and high single sideband RFI environments.
When using the control panel PMMS1, at least two touch screen control (TSC) control panels 5 should be installed for redundancy. As shown in FIG. 2, a custom logo or design may be inserted into the main menu page as desired by the customer. The control panel 5 is a multi-function color LCD touch screen depending on specific settings, and displays the information and control functions of a plurality of pages as follows, but is not limited thereto.

-Alarm system monitoring (fire, bilge, etc.)
-Switching and monitoring of circuit breakers (AC and DC)
-Programmable control of DC lighting with dimming function-Remote switching of all DC loads-Recognition of DC load disconnection and monitoring of individual DC load amperage-Critical DC system monitoring (voltage, current level)
-Critical AC system monitoring (voltage and current levels)
-Selection of circuit for low voltage and voltage drop protection-Load reduction status according to program-Fuel monitoring-Water volume monitoring-Pump monitoring-Battery bank monitoring-Engine parameter monitoring-Generator parameter monitoring-To electronic devices connected by NMEA2000 bus Access (GPS, sounding instrument, compass, etc.)
Data Bus In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the data communication protocol that links the elements of PMMS 1 is a CAN bus as defined in the NMEA2000 specification. However, other systems are possible. Because the system provides monitoring and control of the ship's AC and DC electrical systems, maximum safety, redundancy, and reliability are built into the system. The system is installed by two separate bus power lines, one primary bus 6 and one secondary bus 7, and the elements connected to the system bus also use two separate NMEA2000 multiplexing drivers. ing. Thus, in the unlikely event that the primary bus line 6 fails, is broken or disconnected, or the multiplexing circuit in the MCS device fails, the system will automatically switch to an alternative bus line and processor. Switch to notify the occurrence of the event. Similarly, while the system is operating on the primary bus 6, the secondary bus 7 is always active and monitored. Therefore, although it is not used for system control, if the secondary bus 7 fails, the system recognizes and displays the failure. Then, to enable the system to return to its normal failsafe mode operation, the problem needs to be solved. The system may be installed and operated on a single bus line.
DC Circuit Breaker Board As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, for DC circuit protection and distribution, the PMMS1 system may use one or more DC circuit breaker boards (DCP) 10, each of which Contains, for example, 16 unipolar solid state electronic circuit breakers (ECBs) 14. Since any individual DC circuit breaker panel 10 is determined by the power supplied to that individual DCP, either 12 volt or 24 volt power can be protected, distributed and controlled. The DCP 10 and the ECB 14 within it may be subject to large temperature fluctuations without degrading performance so that they can be remotely installed in non-air-conditioned locations. In an embodiment, for example, each electronic circuit breaker 14 has a current capacity of 30 amperes DC and bears its desired current protection rating by insertion into its specific location within the DC breaker panel. The current protection rating at each location is programmed into the multiplex control system 10 during installation and can be subsequently changed if necessary. Therefore, all standard electronic circuit breakers are the same, greatly simplifying the maintenance of the installed spare parts.
DC Electronic Circuit Breaker As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the PMMS 1 can also use a DC electronic circuit breaker 14. The electronic circuit breaker 14 stably monitors the voltage and current and, if desired, allows the system to aggregate current usage history for a particular load, allowing for prior failure analysis and maintenance. Since the ECB 14 uses a pulse width modulation method, a dimming function of a DC lighting load is possible. The dimming operation may be applied directly to the individual circuits, or may be applied simultaneously to groups of circuits as specified by the operator via touch panel programming via the control panel 5.

  The standard electronic circuit breaker 14 protects by switching loads up to 30 amps with negligible circuit breaker component heating. The system is programmed with a desired current protection level for each breaker board installed in the ECB. Thus, a standard ECB bears the desired current protection rating when inserted at that particular location on any DC circuit breaker board. The electronic circuit breaker is so reliable that it allows the DC circuit breaker panel to be located in a remote area subject to non-air-conditioned temperature fluctuations.

  As shown in FIG. 6, DC current demands in excess of 30 amps can be met with either a higher rated ECB or the use of a hydraulic magnetic circuit breaker 21. An alternative, remotely monitored and controlled hydraulic magnetic circuit breaker 21, allows switching and protection of DC loads greater than 250 amps at 24 VDC, for example.

  Each electronic circuit breaker 14 has two LEDs attached to its top surface. When accessing the DC circuit breaker board 10, these LEDs provide a visual indication of the health and status of each circuit breaker 14 as follows.

Switch the circuit breaker to “OFF”: Both LEDs “OFF”
Switch the circuit breaker to "ON (on)": green LED always lit No load circuit breaker "ON": green LED blinking Circuit breaker operation: red LED always lit Breaker failure (replacement): one red 1 green LED
The system is intended to guard against the possibility of the electronic circuit breaker 14 being locked in the “ON” position. This occurrence is very unlikely but possible. In this event, as soon as the input command that the circuit breaker opens the circuit is initiated, the system will not force the ECB as instructed to electrically force the circuit in the breaker. Recognize opening. This disables the circuit breaker and the simultaneous lighting of the red and green LEDs on the breaker indicates that the breaker needs to be replaced.
Discrete input switches Each DC circuit breaker board 10, DCP-8 and DCP-16 (8 circuit breakers and 16 circuit breaker DC breaker boards) have five discrete input circuits. These discrete inputs make it possible to directly activate any desired AC or DC circuit breaker or connected element in PMMS 1 using a separate discrete switch 22 as shown in FIG. . This allows assignment of the desired control function to the individual switch 22 in addition to those functions that can also be controlled by touch screen input of the control panel 5. Thus, other similar functions including lighting, horns, trim tab activation, windshield wiper activation, and variable setting can be directly controlled by panel or wall mounted rocker / toggle switches, while touch screen The control panel 5 continues to provide control of these functions and variable settings such as timing, dimming, etc.
AC circuit breaker board For AC circuit protection and distribution, the system normally uses a minimum of two AC power distribution boards. One AC switchboard is an AC main switchboard (ACP) 8 as shown in FIG. ACP 8 allows the desired AC source (generator feed 16 and / or shore power feed 15) to be selected and routed to the ship's AC sub-distribution panel (ACS). A standard AC sub-distribution board houses up to 18 hydraulic magnetic circuit breakers 21, for example, about 35.6 cm (14 inches) wide x 50.8 cm (20 inches) high x 12.7 cm ( 5 inches) depth.

Both AC main switchboard 8 and AC subdistribution board 9 can be easily configured for single-phase or three-phase operation (Note: smaller AC subdistribution boards are introduced). If the AC sub-distribution panel is configured for single-phase operation, each ACS has a 2-pole main circuit breaker to allow power interruption to all remaining 16 poles in the distribution panel. Also good. If a standard AC sub-distribution panel is configured for three-phase operation, each standard ACS has a three-pole main circuit breaker to allow power interruption to all remaining 15 poles in the switchboard You may have. (Note that the remaining 16 poles of the single phase switchboard may be occupied by a combination of single pole and two pole circuit breakers, while the 15 poles remaining in the three phase switchboard are single pole or two pole single phase It may be occupied by a combination of a circuit breaker and a 3-pole 3-phase circuit breaker.) ACP8 is
1. 1. Voltage, frequency, and amperage of each power supply 2. Voltage and amperage supplied to each individual line 3. Total amperage consumed You may have a 16.5 centimeter (6.5 inch) touch screen control panel with full access to system monitoring and control.
Note: All of the above display data is also available on the display panel 5 of any touch screen panel throughout the ship.

  -Allows selection of the desired AC power source for each feeder line.

  Provide circuit protection for each AC source and each supply line that is routed to the AC sub-distribution board (Note: one or more ACSs may be supplied from any individual supply line).

  -Houses manually operated hydraulic magnetic circuit breakers and power selector switches.

-The stable operating temperature range of the magneto-hydraulic circuit breaker is -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Celsius to +185 degrees Celsius), so it corresponds to a position in the engine room or other non-air-conditioned environment.
Hydraulic Magnetic Circuit Breaker A hydraulic magnetic circuit breaker (MCB) 21 is shown in FIG. Hydraulic magnetic circuit breakers maintain stable protection under extreme ambient temperature conditions and operate within a temperature range of -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit to +185 degrees Fahrenheit). The hydraulic magnetic circuit breaker used in the PMMS 1 is preferably monitored and controlled remotely, so that the AC switchboard can be remotely arranged in a region where large temperature fluctuations are likely to occur. The PMMS1 hydraulic magnetic circuit breaker is tested against military standards, UL approved or UL listed devices, CE certified and is available with international approval and approval if desired. A remotely driven version of the MCB 21 can be placed in the storage box 20. See, for example, the remotely actuated circuit breaker 31.
Sensor Interface Unit As shown in FIG. 1, the sensor interface unit 12 is an option that can be used in the Octoplex Multiplexed Management System. Analog alarm and status monitoring devices are connected to the bus through a sensor interface unit (SIU) 12. A standard SIU can provide up to 32 analog or digital inputs and can be placed throughout the vessel to receive error signals or critical signals from critical systems such as high water level alarms, thermal and fire alarms, fuel systems, water systems, etc. Analog parameters can be collected. A battery monitoring unit (BMU) 13, which is a dedicated SIU, collects and transmits essential battery bank monitoring information including voltage, amperage, and battery temperature. If necessary, each sensor interface unit 12 processes an analog signal, converts the analog signal into a digital signal, and sends information to all control boards on the bus. All interface units are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed the marine ABYC waterproof enclosure environmental requirements for salt, fog, and splash.
Data interface unit The PMMS1 data interface unit (DIU) (not shown) converts the NMEA2000 message packet into the RS232C protocol for Windows-based communication with the system, and the installer uses a computer with configuration software for the following items: Enable.

  Assign a current trip level to the DC electronic circuit breaker (Note: this capability is available via touch screen panel input via a security access code).

  Program the instantaneous dimming and timer operation maintained in the DC circuit.

  -Program load assignments for all AC and DC circuit breakers.

-Analyze and troubleshoot system functions.
System Monitor Display PMMS 1 can provide monitoring of the on-board system either via the display page of any touch screen monitor 5 or via a dedicated system monitor display (SMD). Dedicated SMDs provide direct and audible monitoring for desired notifications and alarms such as door or hatch openings, bilge pump activation, high water bilge water, overheating, and fire. When activated, alarm notifications appear simultaneously on all system monitor displays and all system touch screen panels. Dedicated system monitor display devices only provide alarms for specific items embedded within a specific monitor and provide control capabilities within the system known as the “Otoplex®” system Never do. The push button silences the acoustic alarm and allows the dimming function of the display device.
NMEA2000 bus power module NMEA2000 network cable is NMEA2000 data bus, touch screen control control panel 5, DC circuit breaker board 10, AC main power distribution board 8, AC circuit sub circuit breaker board 9, sensor interface unit 12, etc., Both of the buses connected to the components of the PMMS 1 are provided with DC power supply to each incorporated electronic device. The power supply that provides the DC voltage to the bus may itself be powered from both the ship's AC power supply and DC power supply, which provides redundancy if either power supply fails.
General Operation of Touch Screen Control Each ship using an Oetoplex® multiplexed control system is recommended to have a minimum of two touch screen control (TSC) control panels 5 to provide system redundancy. As a normal method, the one-touch screen control is always arranged together with the main AC switchboard (ACP). This allows for ease of monitoring, selecting, and allocating available shore power, and the generator supplies power to an existing AC sub-distribution panel (ACS). If desired, additional TSCs can be placed throughout the vessel in places such as the wheelhouse, salon, owner and / or captain's private room, cooking room, and crew lounge. After the ship is built, the TSC can be added to any desired location according to bus connection regulations.

  All touchscreen controls provide complete monitoring of the various components installed in the system, and control where applicable. Thus, the display device may be considered to include the “control device” itself, or the control device may be located external to the display device. An interface may also be included to communicate with the bus (not shown). Immediate notifications for alarm functions and other monitored functions such as bilge pump operation, high water level alarm, fire / overheat alarm, battery overheat, etc. are provided while accessing any screen information. A bilge pump monitor bar and an alarm scrolling message bar appear below every system screen view. If desired, these notifications may be accompanied by an audible alarm and the notifications may be programmed into the system. Since the trip display of the circuit breaker is given priority, a confirmation response is required to clear the trip display through the touch panel. If desired, the visual indication of a circuit breaker trip may be accompanied by an audible alarm or programmed into a circuit system such as a refrigerator, refrigerator, battery charger or the like. All alert indications and alert notifications appear simultaneously on the screens of all TSCs throughout the ship when they are activated.

  The operator responds from any TSC and looks in the system for certain events, such as an activated circuit breaker. Upon receipt of an activated circuit breaker alert notification, the system displays the function of the activated circuit breaker on the screen. The operator may then turn the circuit breaker back on or investigate further.

  Holding down any touch screen activation legend for 3-4 seconds allows the operator to access the details page for that function. The detail page specifies the circuit breaker panel along with its location in the panel and allows its screen label to be changed. For DC circuits, this page allows the trip current setting to be changed and also provides an analysis of the current usage of the circuit's equipment. Notifications such as bilge pump operation, high water level alarms, heat and fire alarms will continue until the location of the occurrence is specified and the situation is resolved. Touch screen control also provides immediate notification if any DC load is activated and a no-load condition occurs due to a component or circuit failure to the component. The system allows protection of individual circuits for each navigation lamp, with all navigation lamps activated by one-touch screen “buttons”. In this mode, the system provides immediate warning and clear identification of any individual navigation lamp burnout. A touch screen receipt notification of certain alarm notifications, such as a battery overheat condition, activates a detailed information page on the screen associated with that particular function. The detail page allows a greater understanding and analysis of the problem.

  The operator can program the system to limit operation by any touch screen display device 5 of the designated circuit. The programming sets the required sign that is input prior to either turning off the specified circuit or activating the circuit instead. This allows the operator to protect the system from inadvertent shutdowns of critical loads such as refrigerators, refrigerators, battery chargers, etc., and inadvertently reinstates the person performing circuit repairs or maintenance. It also protects against startup.

  The operator can also access all DC lighting circuits by means of an optional touch screen control (TSC) display device 5. If desired, the TSC indicates to the operator dimming control of these lighting circuits. Each individual lighting circuit is defined by a light connected to any one electronic circuit breaker. The operator assigns a group of lighting circuits that are dimmed at the same time by programming entered into the TSC, and also pre-defined dimming settings for a single or selected group of lights (ie, “mood lighting”) Can also be assigned. These grouping and defined lighting settings are shown on a descriptive page programmed by the operator on the screen.

  Additional touch screens enabled by available programmable features include:

  -Load reduction: When the specified current level is reached, the operator reduces the AC or DC load with the desired priority and re-loads these loads in the desired order so that the current usage returns below this level. The system can be programmed to connect.

  -Voltage drop protection: The operator stops specified loads such as A / C compressors, refrigerators, and refrigerators when the voltage drops below the specified level, and these when the voltage level returns to the specified level. The system can be programmed to reconnect the load.

  Battery overheat protection: The operator can program the system to shut down the appropriate battery charger in the event of a battery overheat condition.

  Legend item: The operator can assign or change the specified function of the circuit breaker.

  Set alert notifications with desired messages for higher or lower DC current usage levels, including open circuit alarms.

  -DC trip current setting: Operator has limited access to change DC trip current setting. This capability allows the replacement of equipment that requires different current protection levels. The upper limit current limit for each circuit will be programmed by the yacht builder. Trip current correction must be done with care, so the operator is responsible for assigning an appropriate current trip level.

  Assign legend: The operator may modify an existing legend or add a legend for a spare AC or DC circuit.

In summary, PMMS1 is through all system touch screens and protection panels of all AC and DC electrical switchboards throughout the ship, and various sensor interface units (SIU) and battery monitoring units (BMU). All alarms and monitoring functions connected to the system allow control, monitoring and programming. In addition, touch screen control interfaces with additional NMEA2000 buses connected to components including GPS devices, sounding instruments, and electronic compass.
SMD System Monitor Screen As shown in FIG. 9, the PMMS 1 system monitor screen (SMD) is a dedicated fixed legend display device that receives its data from the sensor interface unit via CANbus. The legend colored green indicates the normal operation of the displayed function. An unlit legend indicates that a particular function is “off” or not active. A malfunction of a function that works properly, i.e. an alarm status indication, will be displayed in a red legend. If the audible alarm is designated in red for the monitored function, the alarm will sound, but it can also be silenced by pressing the alarm suppression button. The coloring of the red legend continues until the problem is solved. The display device can be dimmed by activating a push button switch.
Fail-safe function Reliable AC and DC power is important for the safe operation of ships. Thus, the inventors have sought to develop a system that not only has surprising advantages, but most importantly, embodies the limits with high reliability. PMMS1 incorporates maximum redundancy and protection against single point failures, which is a constant goal in aerospace production.
Dual Bus System and Dual Processor Component The system is installed with two separate NMEA 2000 bus lines, primary and secondary, and operates with two processors in an on-line device that drives both buses. In the event of a primary bus line failure or disconnection, the system automatically switches to the secondary bus to notify of the failure of the primary bus 6, and similarly, one of the primary bus processors should be If a failure occurs in the MCS online device, the system automatically switches to the secondary bus and notifies the failure. While the system is operating normally on the primary bus, the secondary bus is kept active as a spare and is constantly monitored, so the system always provides immediate notification of secondary bus failures. provide.
Stand-alone AC and DC systems A very unlikely power and / or complete shutdown of data transmission on the bus will not affect the continuity of the AC or DC system. Then, while remote status monitoring or remote operation of AC circuit breaker operation is not possible, the AC system will continue to operate safely and normally in manual mode. The active independent power supply in each DC switchboard maintains a dual processor in each switchboard so that the DC system will continue to operate normally. These two processors assign an appropriate trip current rating to the electronic circuit breaker. An internal dual processor and multiple power supplies within each DC switchboard provide redundancy in the event of a single point of failure. Therefore, it may be possible to completely disconnect both NMEA2000 bus lines and the protection system for AC and DC circuits will continue to work!
Manually configurable DC system In the unlikely event that both power supplies or both processors fail in either DC switchboard, the operator activates the circuit by substituting a mechanical DC module at the desired ECB location Can be.
The fail-safe electronic DC circuit protection system protects against the unlikely event of an electronic circuit breaker that has failed in the “ON” position. If the operator decides to turn off the ECB and the ECB does not open the circuit, the system takes the ECB offline. This action requires an ECB replacement, which is indicated by the ECB diagnostic LED.
Multiple environmental protection systems are designed with multiple features to protect against EMI, RFI, voltage spikes, and lightning strikes. The system is rigorously tested to comply with aerospace industry standards and RTCA test levels as specified in DO-160E.
Authorization / Specifications PMMS1 is tested to meet the requirements of the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) specification DO-160E in all essential categories. The software follows DO-178 level D. The AC circuit breaker is tested to meet military standards and becomes a device listed in the UL with the approval of European organizations including CE as per customer requirements. Authorization is obtained from authorized organizations such as Lloyds, ABS, and the like. The system has passed certain tests in actual ship installations because of its complete and unaffected operating capability in an advanced single sideband RFI environment.
Enclosure Design As shown in FIGS. 10-12, other functions relate to the unique and useful physical circuit breaker enclosure 20 itself. This storage box 20 may be based on that shown in FIG. 1, which may replace the AC main switchboard 8 or the sub switchboard 9, or it may replace the DC circuit breaker board 10. .

  Typically, in the prior art, the circuit breaker enclosure 20 is made of low cost metal and has a flat interior. Thus, circuit breakers or other devices are installed by an electrician by drilling a hole in the back of a metal box and custom-installing each circuit breaker in the metal box. A “die cut” portion may also be included to help attach the circuit breaker to the metal box. In addition, power connections are usually made for marine applications and are particularly enhanced. For example, a protrusion on a screw for marine applications is usually crimped to the end of the connecting wire, and then the protrusion is placed around the mounting screw so that the connection does not separate from the screw even if the screw is loosened. This is because the protrusion similarly surrounds the screw. In addition, individual strain relief mechanisms are typically used by punching holes that receive the wires by use of a screwdriver, and then tightening individual screw groups that hold the wires against tension. Therefore, installing and connecting a circuit breaker, or connecting a new device or power supply, is labor intensive. Thus, while the underlying metal box is usually low cost, the work associated with setting up a prior art prior art box requires a great deal of electrician time and expense.

  In addition, ease of use becomes even more important when the circuit breaker enclosure is remotely mounted so that it may be in the overall system. For example, if the owner of a recreational vessel wants to add other devices to the boat's centralized power bus system, it becomes a significant obstacle to having to hire an electrician.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 10-12, it incorporates a variety of important functions with the goal of improving ease of use for anyone who has to install or connect the device to the bin 20. A new containment 20 design is enclosed.

  The storage box 20 has a molded plastic base 40 including a molded plastic stand 41 that easily accommodates and attaches various components such as a remote-driven circuit breaker 31, a circuit board 42, and a wiring bus bar 43 in a modular manner. Designed from the beginning. This removes the mounting difficulties from the usual prior art where the screw holes had to be drilled in the flat bottom of the metal box.

  When the clamp 45 is released, it is possible to easily insert the electric wire into the hole 47, so that the connection is greatly improved. Each electric wire does not need to be screwed and attached with a strain relief screw and can be used easily with the clamp 45. An opening is formed between the elastic rubber member 46 that acts as a tension release member. Instead, the clamp 45 simply clamps the wire down to provide strain relief. The electrical wire 50 can then be connected to the bus connection 43 as usual (see connection 51). Therefore, typical screw-based strain relief has been eliminated as well, so it is very easy to add a new connection.

  In addition, a metal plate 60 may be included to attach a remote actuator array 65 having, for example, a magnetically driven plunger or other means. For example, one embodiment includes a solenoid, a movable plunger driven by the solenoid, and a mount that holds the solenoid to switch the switch handle remotely via the solenoid. For positioning the plunger adjacent to the handle, the mount may be a remotely actuated circuit breaker drive that can be attached to the exterior of the circuit breaker.

  A transparent plastic cover 70 may also be added. Overall, many variations are possible.

  The system and / or containment box is not limited to marine applications only, as the system and / or containment box are also assumed to be used on the ground, perhaps as part of a building or residence.

  Those skilled in the art can appreciate that computers, or other client or server devices, can be deployed as part of a computer network or in a distributed computing environment. In this regard, the methods and apparatus described and / or claimed herein can be used in connection with any number of memories or storage devices and methods and apparatus described and / or claimed herein. Relevant to any computer system having any number of applications and processes or quantities occurring over any number of storage devices possible. Thus, the above method and apparatus can be applied to environments having server and client computers deployed in a networked or distributed computing environment with remote or local storage. The methods and apparatus described and / or claimed herein are also for stand-alone computing devices that are capable of generating, receiving, and transmitting information about programming language functions, interpretations, and remote or local services. Can be applied.

  The methods and apparatus described and / or claimed herein can be used in many other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or equipment configurations suitable for use with the methods and apparatus described and / or claimed herein include personal computers, server computers, portables Devices, laptops, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments including any of the above systems or devices It is not a thing.

  The methods described above and / or claimed herein may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. The program modules typically include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or perform particular abstract data types. Accordingly, the methods and apparatus described above and / or claimed herein are distributed as different units, where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communications network or other data transmission medium. It can also be implemented in a computing environment. In a typical distributed computing environment, program modules and routines, or data may reside in both local and remote computer storage media including storage devices. The distributed computing facilitates sharing of computer resources and services by direct exchange between computing devices and systems. These resources and services may include the exchange of information, cache storage, and file disk storage. Distributed computing takes advantage of network connectivity, allowing clients to take advantage of their collective capabilities that are useful to the entire enterprise. In this regard, various devices can have applications, objects, or resources that can utilize the methods and devices described and / or claimed herein.

  Computer programs that perform the methods described above are generally distributed to users of distribution media such as CD-ROMs. The program could be copied to a hard disk or similar intermediate storage medium. When the programs are executed, they are loaded into the computer's execution memory from either distribution media or intermediate storage media, so that the computer can be configured to work according to the methods and apparatus described above.

  The term “computer-readable medium” encompasses all distribution and storage media, computer memory, and any other medium or device that can store a computer program for performing the methods described above for reading by the computer.

  Thus, the various techniques described herein may be implemented in connection with hardware or software, or in combination with both as needed. Accordingly, the methods and apparatus described above and / or claimed herein, or certain aspects or portions thereof, are tangible such as floppy disks, CD-ROMs, hard disk drives, or other machine-readable storage media. It may take the form of program code or instructions embodied on a medium (tangible media). When program code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes an apparatus for performing the methods and apparatus described and / or claimed herein. For execution of program code on a programmable computer, the computing device generally includes a processor and a storage medium readable by the processor and that may include volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements. At least one input device and at least one output device. One or more programs that can utilize the method and apparatus techniques described above and / or claimed herein, eg, by using data processing, are a high-level procedure for communicating with a computer system. May be implemented in a generic or object-oriented programming language. However, if desired, the one or more programs can be executed in assembly or machine language. In any case, the language may be a compiled or interpreted language and may be combined with hardware execution.

  The methods and apparatus described and / or claimed herein are transmitted through certain transmission media, such as through electrical wiring or cabling, through optical fibers, or through any other transmission form. Can also be implemented via communications embodied in the form of program code, which when received and loaded into a machine and executed on a machine such as EPROM, in the exemplary embodiment described above A gate array, programmable logic device (PLD), client computer, or receiving machine with signal processing capabilities as described is an apparatus for performing the methods described above and / or claimed herein. When executed on a general-purpose processor, the program code combines with the processor to provide a unique apparatus that operates to invoke the functionality of the methods and apparatus described and / or claimed herein. Moreover, any storage technology used in connection with the methods and apparatus described and / or claimed herein may always be a combination of hardware and software.

  The operations and methods described herein may be or may be adapted to be performed or configured to perform in or by the disclosed or described structures.

  Although the methods and apparatus described above and / or claimed herein have been described with reference to preferred embodiments and drawings, other similar embodiments may be used or described above and / or Or it should be understood that modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the embodiments of the present invention in order to perform the same functions as those claimed herein. Will. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that various computer platforms including handheld device operating systems and other application specific operating systems are conceivable, especially given the number of wireless networked devices in use. Let's go.

  Although the above description refers to particular embodiments, it will be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof. The appended claims are intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.

  Although the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made and equivalents can be used in place of the elements without departing from the scope of the invention. Will be understood. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, but the invention includes all embodiments and equivalents within the scope of the claims. It is intended to include.

It is the schematic of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure of a touch screen control panel. It is a perspective view of a DC circuit breaker box. It is a perspective view of an electronic DC circuit breaker. It is a top view of a direct current distribution board (DCP). It is a perspective view of a hydraulic magnetic circuit breaker. It is a perspective view of a switch. It is a sensor interface unit. It is a dedicated system monitor display device. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a new molded plastic remote-drive circuit breaker containment box. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a new molded plastic remote-drive circuit breaker containment box. FIG. 6 is a plan view of a new molded plastic remote-driven circuit breaker containment box.

Claims (18)

At least one or more centralized data buses and power buses that connect and control the electrical equipment and power sources of the ship;
At least one or more display devices and control devices for controlling and monitoring the electrical devices and power sources of the ship via the centralized data bus and power bus;
At least one or more circuit breaker enclosures remotely located and remotely driven, wherein the circuit breaker enclosure is located remotely from the at least one display and control device; A circuit breaker enclosure having at least one or more remotely actuated circuit breakers disposed therein;
The power management and monitoring system for a ship, wherein the remotely driven circuit breaker is driven by the at least one display device and control device via the centralized data bus and power bus. The remote-driven circuit breaker is
A switch handle,
A solenoid,
A movable plunger driven by the solenoid;
A mount for holding the solenoid;
The mount can be attached to the exterior of the containment box and the circuit breaker to position the plunger adjacent to the switch handle for remotely starting the switch handle via the solenoid. The system of claim 1. The at least one or more circuit breaker enclosures are:
2. The molded circuit board of claim 1 having a molded plastic stand that does not require drilling in the circuit breaker enclosure and that easily houses and attaches various components such as the remotely actuated circuit breaker. system. The at least one or more circuit breaker enclosures are:
The system of claim 1, comprising the strain relief clamp for inserting a wire and a bus connected to the strain relief clamp so that the wire can be quickly connected without the need to use a strain relief screw.   The system of claim 1, further comprising a transparent plastic cover disposed in the at least one or more circuit breaker enclosures.   The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one or more circuit breaker enclosures are resistant to environmental contaminants.   The system of claim 1, wherein the system provides remote monitoring and control of electronic equipment from the group consisting of alarm functions, battery functions, engine functions, generator data, and lighting.   The system of claim 1, wherein the system provides remote monitoring and control of an electronic instrument from the group consisting of a sounding instrument, a GPS device, a radar device, Internet interface and Internet data, chart plot graphics, and an electronic compass. system.   The system of claim 1, wherein the system provides remote monitoring and control of electrical loads and programmable load reduction means.   The system of claim 1, wherein the system provides remote monitoring and control of electrical loads and programmable low voltage drop protection means.   The system of claim 1, wherein the system operates in accordance with the NMEA2000 specification.   The at least one data bus has a primary NMEA2000 bus line and a secondary NMEA2000 bus line, and the system connects to the secondary NMEA2000 bus line when the primary NMEA2000 bus line fails. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is configured to automatically switch.   The system according to claim 1, wherein the display device is a touch panel display.   The system of claim 1, wherein the display device is a programmable input terminal configured to program the system and update software running on the system. A method of simplifying the construction and installation of a power management and monitoring system for a ship or ground building,
Providing at least one or more centralized data buses and power buses for connecting and controlling electrical equipment and power sources for ships or buildings;
Providing at least one or more display devices and control devices for controlling and monitoring the electrical equipment and power source of the ship or building via the centralized data bus and power bus;
At least one or more circuit breaker enclosures remotely located and remotely driven, wherein the enclosure is remotely located from the at least one display and control device and within the circuit breaker enclosure; Providing a circuit breaker enclosure having at least one or more remotely actuated circuit breakers disposed;
The remote-driven circuit breaker is driven by the at least one display device and controller through the centralized data bus and power bus. A computer program product for power management and monitoring of a ship or ground building electrical control system in a computer environment,
The computer program product is:
A storage medium readable by the processing circuit, storing instructions for execution by the processing circuit;
Providing data communication via at least one or more centralized data buses and power buses that connect and control electrical equipment and power sources of the ship or building;
Controlling and monitoring the electrical equipment and power supply of the ship or building by means of at least one or more display and control devices via the centralized data bus and power supply bus;
Controlling power by a remotely driven circuit breaker driven by the at least one display and control device via the centralized data bus and power bus;
At least one or more circuit breaker enclosures remotely located and remotely driven, remotely located from said at least one display and control device, said at least one or two A computer program product that facilitates a method comprising providing a circuit breaker enclosure including one or more remotely actuated circuit breakers.   The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one or more circuit breakers are compliant with MILC 55-629 standard for resistance to humidity, salt spray, and impact.   The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one or more circuit breaker enclosures are formed from molded plastic.

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